Low income households in Texas are currently receiving their final round of food assistance payments for the year 2025. As families prepare for the new year, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is completing the distribution of December SNAP benefits. This specific payout wave targets recipients whose eligibility determination group numbers place them at the very end of the monthly schedule. If you use a Lone Star Card and have not yet seen your deposit for this month, your funds are likely scheduled to arrive between yesterday and this coming Sunday.
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End of Month Payment Distribution
The distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in Texas follows a staggered schedule that runs over the first 28 days of the month. We are currently in the final stretch of this timeline. Starting yesterday, December 25, the state began releasing funds to the last groups of beneficiaries. This system helps prevent system overloads in grocery stores and ensures that the electronic transfer system remains stable. For families relying on this support to put food on the table during the holiday week, knowing exactly which day the money appears is vital for budgeting.
How the EDG Number Determines Your Date
Your deposit date is strictly determined by the last two digits of your Eligibility Determination Group number, commonly called the EDG number. This is found on your official approval letters or within your online account. It is different from your case number or your Social Security number. The state uses these digits to assign every household a specific payout day. If your EDG number ends in high digits, you are always scheduled for the end of the month. This helps you plan your grocery trips in advance since your payment date generally remains the same from month to month.
December 25-28 Payment Schedule
The table below outlines the specific dates for the final wave of payments based on the last two digits of your EDG number.
| Date | EDG Number Ending Digits |
| December 25, 2025 | 86-88 |
| December 26, 2025 | 89-92 |
| December 27, 2025 | 93-95 |
| December 28, 2025 | 96-99 |
Eligibility Requirements for Lone Star Benefits
To receive these payments, households must meet specific income and work criteria set by the state. Generally, the program is designed for low income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Most able bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 54 who do not have dependents are subject to work rules. These individuals usually need to work or participate in a training program for at least 20 hours a week. Failure to meet these requirements can limit benefits to just three months within a three year period. However, the Texas Simplified Application Project, known as TSAP, offers a streamlined process for seniors and residents with disabilities to access aid more easily.
Important Spending Rules and Future Changes
Current recipients must adhere to strict guidelines on what can be purchased with their Lone Star Card. The funds are intended solely for essential nutrition. While you can currently buy most staple foods, snacks, and non alcoholic beverages, reports indicate that stricter regulations may be coming. Some sources suggest that starting in April 2026, there could be new limitations on sugary snacks and sweetened beverages to encourage healthier choices. Until then, beneficiaries should focus on using their current funds for approved grocery items to avoid any transaction issues at the checkout counter.
Items Restricted from SNAP Purchases
You cannot use your SNAP benefits to purchase the following items:
- Alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine
- Tobacco products including cigarettes
- Hot foods intended to be eaten immediately
- Vitamins and medicines
- Pet food and cleaning supplies
- Paper products and household supplies
